Hanson: How I'm Playing the Preakness and the Late Pick 5

A disappointing week weather-wise continues for Preakness Day, but we'll try and make the best of it by cashing a few tickets. Here's a look at how we'll be playing later in the card.

Race 9 -- Gallorette (G3)

ULTRA BRAT (#3) was clearly out of sorts against an extremely tough group in the Jenny Wiley (G1) last out and is capable of better. Motion-trained mare shouldn't be far off the lead and can get one of the first runs if she handles the footing. ELYSEA'S WORLD (#8) was the heavy favorite in this last year, but had no pace to run at. Tendency to settle for minor awards a concern, but perhaps can slog through the going better than the rest. French import BLESSED SILENCE (#6) didn't fare so well in her lone try on heavy ground last fall at Saint-Cloud, but perhaps could take to the conditions better than her American rivals.

Race 10 -- Maryland Sprint (G3)

SWITZERLAND (#5) finally beginning to realize his potential and enters his stakes debut on a three-race win streak, including a pair of allowances at Oaklawn. Two-for-three mud mark encouraging.

Race 11 -- The Very One

Being off the turf for the The Very One no problem for CHANTELAINE (#1), who's generally better on the main track anyway as evidenced by her score in the Spring Fever at Oaklawn last time. SMILING CAUSEWAY (#11), unraced since December, showed more versatility when rallying from five lengths down to take a five-furlong turf stakes at Tampa when last seen. Proficient on main track, too. JUST TALKIN (#12) is another who must be respected on recent form for Jason Servis.

Race 12 -- Sir Barton

AX MAN (#8) will be a heavy favorite to skip over the slop on the lead for Baffert/Smith. There is, however, other speed in the field, and the late-rallying PONY UP (#2) could be the one to fear if he transfers his fine turf form to the mud. A softer bunch than he faced at either Turfway or Keeneland in his last couple.

Race 13 -- Preakness (G1)

With an alert break and similar trip he had in Louisville, JUSTIFY (#7) will be hard to beat and is another single in the sequence.

Here's the 50-cent ticket:

3,6,8 with 5 with 1,11,12 with 2,8 with 7 = $18.

In the Preakness itself, JUSTIFY and GOOD MAGIC figure to run back to their one-two effort in the Kentucky Derby (G1). We'll be playing straight $15 trifectas with them in first and second, respectively, and throwing in BRAVAZO and LONE SAILOR in the third slot.